Here There Be Villains — Reviewing ‘Justice League Unlimited’ #6

A deep desire to want to be the hero of the story often comes with consequences of a disastrous nature. Especially when the villains of the story turn to their old friends: lies and manipulation.

The second chapter of DC Comics We Are Yesterday crossover event arrives in the pages of Justice League Unlimited #6, picking up where Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #38. Here, Mark Waid, Christopher Cantwell, Travis Moore, Tamra Bonvillain, and Dave Sharpe unravel the history of Grodd’s ascendance, Air Waves’s betrayal, and the secrets of the Inferno group.

A flashback heavy story fills in the gaps in a way that is most satisfying.

**SPOILERS FOLLOW**

Martian Manhunter’s missing powers have been found and are the key to everything that has befallen the newest incarnation of the League. Grodd and his new found powers stand ten steps ahead of the heroes. Using his wits and knowledge to gain the upper hand rather than the powers, he leaves no telltale psychic crumbs or other indicators in the process.

Waid is the perfect writer for stories of these natures. His knowledge and love for the DC Universe is always on display. Pairing him with Cantwell just takes this solid premise and elevates it even more. Really showcasing how dangerous and powerful some of the heroes’ Rogues can really be. As Grodd notes, most of them have either died, turned good, or are otherwise occupied in the modern era.

An easy fix comes from time travel and plucking out the most dangerous versions they have to offer.

Threading the line with Air Wave’s betrayal was well done. Yes the character was naïve, but the threat of potential death does a lot to cause chaos and confusion. Our writing duo really handles this revelation well. There is emotional weight and room to feel for Air Wave in this moment- chiefly when the façade crumbles down and he meets an untimely fate for his troubles.

I just love seeing the spreading of Moore’s artwork. There is something so bold and heroic about the way he brings things to life, really tapping into the larger-than-life appeal of these characters.

He has a style that leans on smoothness all the way through, yet still able to create a somewhat tougher appearance. He lets characters glide through the pages thanks to a dynamic energy and smart panel choices. Characters have weight and presence to them as these pretty strong figures stand before us. Their emotions are shown clearly through facial expressions and body language that feels authentic.

Additional depth and weight dances between the columns that are labeled realistic and whimsical. It reminds us that even in the darkest of situations, comic books are fun.

A bright airy color palette style boosts this effort. There is a reason that Bonvillain works so often on Waid led books. Her color choices swirl between darkness and light while leaning more toward the fantastical whimsy side of things. Presenting even more depth as the more vibrant hero colors meld smoothly with the more mundane or toned-down setting tones.

Bits of darkness peek through it all to keep the overall tone in place. Once again, the issue is dipping into the well of fun that is needed- keeping things firm but light at the same time.

Villain words have to feel grandiose and pointed, displaying their often colder and harder natures. Sharpe taps into that quite well with the lettering on the page, letting it all flow logically and smartly, voices ringing clear in the ears. He shifts things as necessary to enhance or match the overall feeling required, living in the sweet spot where a character like Grodd feels scary but genuine.

Justice League Unlimited #6 is now available from DC Comics.